The American president Donald Trump has announced that he and the Russian president Vladimir Putin want to start negotiations immediately to end the war in Ukraine. To determine the Dutch position, the House of Representatives will debate on Tuesday, February 18th, starting at 4:20 PM, about these statements and the consequences for Europes security.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp will attend the House of Representatives for this debate.
Trumps Statements
Even during his election campaign, Trump repeatedly expressed his desire to end the war in Ukraine. After a phone call with Putin, he also contacted the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that Zelensky would also have a place at the negotiating table. Trump did not mention the role of other European countries.
Statements by the American Secretary of Defense
Trumps Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has stated that Ukraine cannot become a NATO member and that it is unrealistic to think that Ukraine will regain the territory occupied by Russia.
Request for Debate
Party leader Frans Timmermans (GroenLinks-PvdA) initiated the debate during an extra Work Arrangement. He stated that the situation gives the impression that negotiations about Europe and peace in Europe are being conducted over the heads of Europeans.
Follow Live and Read More
- You can follow the debate via the livestream and the Debat Direct app.
- View the speakers list.